Megasam, Yes I like the gold CD's better than the standard recordings. Most of the gold CD's are recorded off the original master recordings. Try the CBS mastersound CD's also, they're superior when compared to the standard recorded CD. I also like MCA's Ultimate Master Disc. I don't care for the "digitally remastered" stuff. Most are not a true high fidelity recording. These digitally remastered versions aren't much better than the originals, my opinion. There are some subtle differences, as you have noticed. A way pumping sales of previously released material, again, my opinion. Even some of MFSL's recordings weren't always better, most of the time though, they were superior.
Original CD vs Remaster vs Gold Disc
Those sly record executives have discovered new ways to seperate us from our money....release digital remastered versions of rock/alt CDs that are 15-35 yrs old at full price $14.99. I have had mixed results with these, for instance David Bowie "Ziggy Stardust" analog CD was slightly bright and thin sounding, digital remaster is even brighter, more presence, I prefer analog CD. I have had better luck with HDCD remasters like Joni Mitchell "Court & Spark" superior in every way to analog CD, this is what we want! Has anyone compared Gold Disc (MoFi, DCC,Sony) to original CDs, is it worth the extra money @$20-30 per disc? What is the magnatude of improvement? Anyone else compared digital remasters to original CD?......regards Sam